Jesus Christ—The Center of Christmas
I always love the Christmas season. Little memories continually come back to me of Christmas at my home when I was a child. Because our large family was on a tight budget, my mother always bought a short Christmas tree. This short tree would then be placed proudly on a little round table that sat in our dining room—and then it would reach the ceiling—and look tall and beautiful with all it’s special ornaments and lights.
This little round table was four feet in diameter and just fifteen inches off the ground, and it had eight little three-legged stools. When we had company for dinner, all the youngest children were required to sit at the little table. I always loved that table, and fortunately, I “inherited” it. This cute old table, which I refinished several years ago, now sits in my family room.
I believe my parents tried to create a Christ-centered Christmas basically because of one tradition, which has always filled me with me reverence for the Savior. This tradition and has continued on in our home with our children and grandchildren. On Christmas morning, before we could open any presents, our whole family (eight children and my parents) all knelt together in the living room for family prayer. I will always remember my father’s kind, gentle voice as he humbly thanked our Heavenly Father for the gift of His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.
Christ-Centered Traditions
I believe as we start, or carry on, traditions that focus on Jesus Christ during the Christmas season, that the Spirit of Christ will linger on in our lives throughout the whole year. I like this quote:
“When we keep the spirit of Christmas, we keep the Spirit of Christ, for the Christmas spirit is the Christ Spirit. It will block out all the distractions around us which can diminish Christmas and swallow up its true meaning.
“There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.
“Because He came to earth, we have a perfect example to follow. As we strive to become more like Him, we will have joy and happiness in our lives and peace each day of the year. It is His example which, if followed, stirs within us more kindness and love, more respect and concern for others.”
There is a new Christmas video, starring Kevin Sorbo, which exemplifies how sorrowing hearts can be healed and families reunited through the “silent night” of Christ-like love and forgiveness.
I hope that each of us will find this same peace and healing in our own lives and within our families this Christmas. The season comes and goes so quickly, and time is limited. May the Spirit guide us to do only that which is essential this year as we strive to bring Christ’s love into Christmas.